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Drago of Sudbury Receives Clarkson University’s Top Alumni Honor

Potsdam, N.Y. -- Joe Drago of Sudbury, Ontario, a retired educator, has received the Golden Knight Award from his alma mater, Clarkson University. Presented each year during Reunion Weekend, Clarkson’s most prestigious alumni award is given to alumni who have distinguished themselves either by service to Clarkson through Alumni Association activities or have demonstrated outstanding career achievement, bringing distinction to themselves and to Clarkson.

Drago earned his bachelor of science degree in business administration from Clarkson in 1963. He continued his education at Niagara University where he received his master of science degree in education in 1972. Subsequently, he earned guidance and business specialist certificates and the Ontario Secondary School Principal’s Certificate.

Beyond his professional career, Drago was a dedicated volunteer in his community and was recognized and honored locally, provincially and nationally for his work with charities and organizations. For 12 years, he sat on the Sudbury Memorial Hospital Board of Governors and was involved for 14 years with the Sudbury Memorial Hospital Foundation. He also has been involved with the Sudbury District Health Council, the Salvation Army, the Sudbury Food Bank, the House of Kin, the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, the Heart and Soul Capital Campaign for Health Care, and more. Drago has served as the founding chairman of the Sudbury Regional Hospital Foundation since its inception in 1998. In 2003, he was the recipient of the Centennial Award by the Ontario Medical Association, their highest honor given to a non-physician.

While at Clarkson, Drago played under head hockey coach Len Ceglarski and was a key member of three of Clarkson’s most successful teams during the 1960s. During his time at Clarkson, the Golden Knights compiled a 56-15-3 record and participated in two NCAA tournaments, finishing as national runner-ups in 1962 and gaining a third-place trophy in 1963. He also was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, a Varsity "C" Member and a member of the Ice Carnival Committee.

For over 40 years, Drago was involved with hockey. He has coached at the midget, high school, junior major, junior intermediate and senior levels. For 17 years, he has been involved with the Sudbury Wolves Major Junior "A" organization, serving as director of operations, coach, general manager, president and part owner and governor. For 12 years, Drago served as the commissioner for the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey Association and later as the OHF Junior Council chair. Currently is the president for the Ontario Hockey Federation.

In 2003, Drago was honored with the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which recognizes Canadians who have made significant contributions to their fellow citizens, their community and to Canada.

Drago and his wife, Sylvia, live in Sudbury, Ontario. They have two daughters, Lisa and Deana, and four granddaughters.

Clarkson University crosses the boundaries of disciplines, nations and cultures in order for discovery, engineering innovation and enterprise to come together. As a result, faculty and graduates grasp the full impact of their calling, direct their research to the world’s pressing issues and lead with confidence and distinction. One in seven alumni is already a CEO or other senior executive. Located in Potsdam, N.Y., just outside the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, Clarkson is home to 3, 000 students preparing for rewarding careers through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, science, and health sciences, as well as unparalleled outdoor recreation and life experiences beyond the classroom.